Ministry with the Poor Team to host "Deep, Wide, Strong: Building Sustainable Communities" event on September 17

The Ministry with the Poor Operational Team is hosting a free training event on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. called Deep, Wide, Strong: Building Sustainable Communities.

The event is designed for congregations and leaders looking for ways to make deeper relationships in their community; finding a need to widen the impact of their ministry — building with love that sustains, instead of only making connections once or twice; and seeking to strengthen their service with those living in poverty so they can access actual resources to meet their needs and transform their lives.

During this event, participants will hear, see and experience more sustainable ways of serving with those experiencing poverty and homelessness. The training will feature people who are in participating in these transformative ministries. Participants will also have time to talk and collaborate on ideas and see models of sustainable work in progress. Participants are encouraged to read Making Neighborhoods Whole: A Handbook for Christian Community Development by Wayne Gordon & John Perkins as a resource for this event. 

The afternoon will include breakout group sessions focused on the principles of Christian Community Development Association (CCDA). Sessions include the following:

• Group 1: Relocation and Redistribution
  This group will look at ways of ministry that share life through the ministry of presence and create equal access of resources and opportunities.
   
• Group 2: Reconciliation and Listening to the Community
  This group will discuss methods of active listening in communities and creating environments where relationships with God, families and communities can be restored.
   
• Group 3: Empowerment and Leadership Development
  This group will explore how to create environments where participants rely on the Holy Spirit, recognize gifts and skills and work together to empower leaders from the community.
   
• Group 4: Church-Based and Wholistic Approaches
  This group will share how the church is uniquely equipped to affirm the dignity and gifts of individuals and communities. his is important as we seek to integrate the spiritual, social, economic, political, cultural, emotional, physical, moral, educational and family dynamics to bring about growth.

The event will be at East Lake UMC (7753 1st Ave S Birmingham AL 35206) located just a couple of blocks off of I-59/20 in Birmingham. Lunch will be provided. More information is available here.

Congregations are encouraged to send a group of participants including staff, leaders and lay members who are interested in doing something new or revamping existing ministries. A suggested resource, Making Neighborhoods Whole: A Handbook for Christian Community Development by Wayne Gordon and John M. Perkins, is readily available from several online booksellers.

Ministry with the Poor is a North Alabama Conference priority. 

Register online by September 10.